Cindy Nasky, Nutritionist with Knowing Wellness
Having a baby is one of the most exciting, wonderful, life changing times in a woman’s life. It is also one of the most intensely emotional and exhausting times! If ever there is a time to take good care of yourself, it is during this special time. Good self-care insures that you will be all-there to enjoy your new baby.
After the baby is born, everything is different … sleep schedules (or lack therein!), emotions, your body, appetite, hormones, etc.!
When my first child was born – my mother offered up some wisdom that seemed painfully basic at the time, but was really golden.
For instance:
- Sleep when the baby sleeps (sleep deprivation is cruel mentally & physically)
- Don’t expect to get anything done during the day – set low expectations and enjoy that baby!
- Respect the power of your hormones (they affect emotions, that scary mother-bear mentality, energy, sex drive, etc.)
- Nutritionally, remember that your body has been through the ringer and deserves some kindness and tender care after the miraculous feat of childbirth. Also keep in mind that breast milk is a direct result of the foods that you are putting into your body. Keep it simple and eat real whole foods!
- Eat lots of fruits & vegetables (shoot for 10 ½ cup servings daily)
- Steer clear of ‘white’ foods like sugar and refined flours
- Enjoy pasture raised meats and high quality cheeses
- Drink lots of water (a good start is 8 glasses a day)
- Focus on good fats – avocado, olive oil, nuts, and coconut oil (non-fat foods are not your friend)
- A glass of red wine or a chewy dark beer are not only good for your soul, but also good for your health
- Take whole food supplements to fill in any nutritional gaps (there are a few that are super beneficial for the postpartum mom)
There are a lot of specific things related to nutrition that you can do for your particular situation and if you would like more support with nutrition during this time, I do love talking about this stuff! Contact me to set up a personal consultation at 303.520.6307 or by email at cindy@knowingwellness.net.
I’d love to hear from you! Comment below with your nutritional questions that leave you guessing!
photo credit: jonycunha via photopin cc